Tom Corbett says 2 giants need to think how TV ads affect viewers

Ever since Highmark won approval to create a health system that competes with UPMC, the two giants have been slugging it out on the airwaves, but Gov. Tom Corbett worries the mudslinging on TV is leaving consumers confused.

The governor says Highmark and UPMC need to take a step back and think about how the ads are affecting those who see them.

"It is becoming clear to us, because we receive calls, that people are confused by the issue, by all the advertising," said Corbett, who has set up a task force to monitor the advertising.

In a statement, a UPMC representative said, "UPMC looks forward to working with the governor's joint task force to ensure that consumers are properly informed and protected as we transition to the new healthcare landscape developing in western Pennsylvania."

For its part, Highmark said, in part, that it "stands ready to negotiate a contract with UPMC and to do what's best and right for the people of this region. We recognize that the community wants UPMC and Highmark to work together to negotiate a new contract and to guarantee the quality, affordability and accessibility of health care for everyone."

UPMC is refusing to negotiate a new contract with Highmark because it says Highmark, by creating a health care network, is in direct competition.

Highmark argues that UPMC, as a nonprofit institution, must allow its hospitals to be open. The contract expires in December 2014.

"I would remind both of them that they are nonprofits, and we think it's important that they keep in mind the needs of the consumers of Western Pennsylvania first and foremost," said Corbett.

Corbett said if any of the advertising is false, then it would be up to Attorney General Kathleen Kane to investigate under consumer protection laws.

Channel 4 Action News' Paul Van Osdol asked Kane's office what it was doing, and a representative said it's policy that they cannot confirm or deny that they are doing an investigation.

PRELIMINARY HEARING IN NOVEMBER!! 3 IF YOU'VE BEEN WATCHING TV-- YOU KNOW HIGHMARK AND U-P-M-C ARE ENGAGED IN AN AD WAR-- THAT LOOKS LIKE A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. TONIGHT GOVERNOR CORBETT SAYS HE'S CONCERNED THAT THE MUDSLINGING IS LEAVING CONSUMERS CONFUSED. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER PAUL VAN OSDOL-- LIVE IN THE NEWSROOM WITH THE STORY - PAUL? 3 3 Ever since Highmark won approval to create a health system that competes with UPMC - the two giants have been duking it out on the airwaves. The governor says they need to take a step back and think about about how the ads are affecting consumers. 3 UPMC attacks Highmark - Highmark fires back at 3 UPMC - 3 All the rhetoric leaving consumers perplexed. 3 The governor has set up a task force to monitor the advertising. In a statement - a UPMC spokesman said 'UPMC looks forward to working with the Governor's joint task force to ensure that consumers are properly informed and protected as we transition to the new healthcare landscape developing in Western Pennsylvania.' For its part, Highmark said in part that it 'stands ready to negotiate a contract with UPMC and to do what's best and right for the people of this region. We recognize that the community wants UPMC and Highmark to work together to negotiate a new contract and to guarantee the quality, affordability and accessibility of health care for everyone.' UPMC is refusing to negotiate a new contract with Highmark because it says Highmark - by creating a health care network - is in direct competition. Highmark argues that UPMC - as a non-profit institution - must allow its hospitals to be open. The contract expires in hospitals to be open. The institution - must allow its UPMC - as a non-profit institution - must allow its UPMC - as a non-profit Highmark argues that UPMC - as a non-profit 3 institution - must allow its hospitals to be open. The contract expires in December 2014. 3 Corbett said if any of the advertising is false then it would be up to Attorney General Kathleen Kane to investigate under consumer protection laws. I asked Kane's office what they're doing and a spokesman told me it is their policy that they cannot confirm or deny that they are doing an investigation. Paul Van Osdol Channel 4 Action News. 3